April 6 2008

Action

NATHAN ASHTON admits he would like to make his loan move from Fulham permanent if he impresses Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock.

The left-back, 21, joined last week until the end of the season and made his debut against Blackpool as Lee Hills and Clint Hill were injured.

"I thought I did well, particularly going forward," he said. "The pace is a little slower than the Premiership, but you've got to be more concentrated because of it.

"I've still got a year left on my contract at Fulham. But Palace have made me feel welcome and the manager has been good to me and showed faith in me.

"So, a possible move here wouldn't be anything to turn down - I would be very happy to move here. I want to try to impress the manager enough for him to want me here in the future.

"If things don't work out at Fulham I would like to get a move here - but my main ambition is to break into the Fulham first team because that's where I'm contracted."

ASHTON was released by Charlton last summer but was snapped up by Fulham technical director and ex-Addicks manager Les Reed.

He made his Fulham bow in October but new Fulham boss Roy Hodgson dropped him in favour of senior pros who would be better equipped to help the Whites stave off relegation.